Salem Marks Ganesh Chaturthi with Immersion Safety Rules as Activist Announces River Cleanup Push
Salem marked the close of the Ganesh Chaturthi season with strict immersion rules aimed at protecting local water bodies, while civic leader P R Pandian announced a hunger strike demanding action on river pollution. The Union Government also approved three major rail projects for Tamil Nadu worth Rs 6,000 crore.
🎉 Salem Directs Ganesh Idol Immersion to Approved Water Bodies Only
Authorities in Salem issued orders requiring all Ganesh idols consecrated during Ganesh Chaturthi to be immersed exclusively at officially designated water bodies across the district. Officials announced that over 2,500 Ganesh idols had been consecrated at various locations in Salem district, and that these would be taken for immersion on either the third or the fifth day following the conclusion of the festival. Designated immersion sites include Mettur, Pulampatti, Kalvadangam, and the Dhammampatti Vasishta River, as well as Pelur and Mookanneri within Salem city itself. A large number of police personnel were deployed at these locations to maintain security and ensure orderly conduct throughout the immersion process. Pollution control officers specified that only idols made from natural clay materials — including those fashioned from tuber flour and industrial waste from millet factories — would be permitted for immersion at the approved sites. Idols containing chemical additives or synthetic materials were barred from all designated water bodies. The 16 September 2026 directive reflects a dual objective: facilitating the religious observance for devotees while protecting Salem's water bodies from the pollution that can result from immersion of chemically treated idol materials. [4]
🗳️ Pandian Announces Hunger Strike Over Thirumanimutharu River Pollution
Civic leader P R Pandian announced that a major hunger strike would be organised in Salem, demanding government action to stop the ongoing pollution of the Thirumanimutharu river. The declaration represents an escalation of pressure directed at state and local authorities over the condition of the waterway. Pandian's announcement specifically called for measures to end the pollution affecting the Thirumanimutharu, with the planned hunger strike in Salem intended to compel a response. The statement identifies the Thirumanimutharu river as subject to pollution and names Salem as the site of the forthcoming demonstration. [9]
🗳️ Centre Approves Three Rail Projects Worth Rs 6,000 Crore for Tamil Nadu
The Union Government approved three new railway projects for Tamil Nadu, committing a combined outlay of Rs 6,000 crore to expand the state's rail network. The approved projects involve the construction of additional rail lines designed to increase freight capacity. Once operational, the proposed lines are projected to carry 7.21 million tonnes of freight annually, significantly adding to Tamil Nadu's logistics capacity. [3]
Sources: [4] AIMA Media · [9] The New Indian Express · [3] The New Indian Express